New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum will continue in his role as England head coach across all three formats despite the team’s disappointing results and concerns over dressing-room culture following the recent Ashes tour, which resulted in a 1-4 loss for the tourists in Australia.

A review conducted by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) into England’s Ashes campaign has concluded without major leadership changes. The review was commissioned shortly after the final match of the series in January, which England lost heavily in Australia.

ECB chief executive Richard Gould confirmed that while several recommendations had emerged from the review, its full findings would not be made public.

“There’s a whole host of things we’re enacting. We’re not going to issue the review in total because there’s a whole load of actions we know we need to do but we don’t necessarily want our opposing teams to know what we’re doing,” he said.

McCullum will therefore continue in his role alongside Test captain Ben Stokes and managing director Rob Key, despite England’s Ashes defeat being sealed with two matches still to play.

Gould emphasised that replacing key personnel was never considered the right approach.

“Moving people on can sometimes be the easy thing to do. That’s not the route that we’re going to take. I’ve seen the driving ambition and determination that we’re lucky enough to have within our leadership group to take the lessons from the Ashes and move forward,” he said.

“I think we’re very lucky to have the leadership we’ve got. They’ve gone through a very exciting time over the last four years. Everyone has taken significant learnings from a difficult winter, but now we’ve got a leadership group that has been hardened by those learning experiences but is even more determined now to drive forward our future success,” he added.

England’s 1-4 loss in Australia had drawn criticism over the team’s approach and preparation for the high-profile series. Gould said the review examined several areas, including preparation standards, team culture and stronger coordination with the county system.

On the cricketing front, Key acknowledged the need for greater discipline and sharper decision-making from the players.

“No more getting to 60 and 70, chipping one up in the air and walking off. It’s about going out there and being absolutely ruthless in what you’re doing, and it’s the same with the ball,” he said.

He also cautioned against misinterpreting England’s aggressive playing philosophy.

“Sometimes the whole Bazball thing is an excuse for players to go out there and play poor shots; that is not the case. We still want players that are looking to be aggressive … we’ve just got to be smarter in how we do it,” he said.

Key insisted the current group of players remained capable of driving England’s progress, provided they learned from their experiences in challenging conditions.

“We made a lot of mistakes as you do, especially when you’re playing against a very good side,” he said of the Ashes.

“But it’s not the end of an era; it’s still a team that is building, it’s still a bowling attack that’s building, still players that went out there for the very first time into the toughest conditions, and you hope we’re all going to learn from that experience, be hardened by that experience and actually be spurred on to do even better,” he added.

Both Gould and Key also dismissed reports of tensions between McCullum and Stokes during the tour, saying there had been no “bust-up” between the pair. Instead, they emphasised that the team’s attacking philosophy would remain intact but would continue to evolve.

Looking ahead, McCullum remains under contract until the end of the next 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia next year.

England’s upcoming assignments include a three-Test home series against New Zealand in June, followed by a limited-overs series at home against India.

Key reiterated his confidence in McCullum’s leadership. “Ultimately, it’s about who the players are, who do we think can take English cricket forward? Who’s the one that can get the best out of the best players in ‌this country? And for me, that’s Brendon McCullum,” he said.

“There’s been some really, really good stuff done. It was a winter that did not go well, which would be an understatement, but that doesn’t mean they’re bad leaders,” he added.

The Congress expressed unease over the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha’s (JMM) decision to contest the upcoming Assam Assembly elections on its own, fielding 21 candidates after alliance talks between the two parties failed to reach a consensus.

Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee president Keshav Mahto Kamlesh said the party had made a serious and positive effort to forge an alliance with the JMM, offering it 5 to 7 seats along with full organisational support in constituencies it contested. He said the Congress intended to ensure JMM’s representation in the Assam Assembly, but noted that the decision to contest 21 seats could lead to a division of tribal votes.

JMM central general secretary and spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya said the party decided to go solo as discussions with the Congress did not materialise. He said JMM candidates would be contesting against both the Congress and the BJP, and expressed confidence that the move would benefit the party. He added that all 21 candidates have already filed their nominations.

The divergence between the two parties comes at a time when opposition unity remains a key political theme, with such decisions likely to influence electoral dynamics, particularly in constituencies with significant tribal populations.

However, the JMM clarified that its pre-poll alliance with the Congress in Jharkhand remains intact and the Assam decision will have no bearing on the state’s political arrangement.

India has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting migratory species while highlighting progress on the Central Asian Flyway (CAF) initiative at the ongoing 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) in Campo Grande, Brazil, the Environment Ministry said on Tuesday.

Held near Pantanal — the world’s largest tropical wetland, increasingly threatened by drought, wildfires and land-use change — the meeting came amid increasing concern over the state of migratory wildlife.

According to the State of the World’s Migratory Species: Interim Report nearly half (49%) of CMS-listed species are experiencing population declines and almost one in four faces the risk of extinction.

Two years ago this number was 44 %.

Key drivers of the decline include habitat loss, overexploitation, pollution, climate change, invasive species and disease outbreaks such as avian influenza. It is against this sombre backdrop that India is spearheading the CAF initiative — a transboundary effort spanning 30 countries to secure migratory bird routes from the Arctic to the Indian Ocean.

The initiative was formally endorsed at CMS COP14 at Samarkand through a resolution led by India with an objective to help improve the conservation status of priority threatened species such as the Siberian crane and the sociable lapwing through coordinated international action.

One of the steps is the operationalisation of the CAF Secretariat to facilitate data sharing, coordinate conservation strategies, and support responses to emerging threats such as disease outbreaks and illegal hunting.

Member countries plan to identify and protect critical stopover sites—wetlands and grasslands that provide essential resting and feeding grounds for migratory birds along their routes.

Participating countries are also working toward adopting bird-safe guidelines for power lines and energy projects to reduce mortality from collisions and electrocution.

In India, several high-priority sites have already been mapped, with additional areas under consideration for conservation measures, say officials

By linking conservation with sustainable livelihoods — such as eco-tourism and responsible resource use — the programme aims to also benefit local communities.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has stepped up its preparations for forthcoming elections by holding a high-level inter-state border meeting with top administrative and police officials from poll-bound states and their neighboring regions. The initiative is aimed at tightening coordination, preventing unlawful activities, and ensuring that elections are conducted in a peaceful, secure, and inducement-free environment.

As per an official statement, the meeting saw participation from Chief Secretaries, Directors General of Police (DGPs), Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs), and senior officials including Principal Secretaries overseeing Home, Excise, and State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) departments. State Police Nodal Officers (SPNOs) were also part of the discussions, underlining a multi-agency approach to election preparedness.

“Strengthening electoral preparedness through collaboration remains our top priority,” the ECI said, stressing the need for close coordination, especially among states sharing borders. Officials pointed out that such cooperation is vital to check the movement of illicit cash, liquor, drugs, and other inducements that could impact voters.

Alongside the inter-state meeting, the Commission also convened discussions with the Multi-Departmental Committee on Election Intelligence (MDCEI), which is tasked with collecting and analyzing intelligence on electoral malpractices. “Enhanced intelligence-sharing mechanisms and coordinated enforcement actions will be crucial in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process,” an official said.

The ECI has increasingly emphasized inter-agency coordination in recent years as election management becomes more complex, with concerns ranging from cross-border criminal activities to the influence of money power. Border areas, in particular, are seen as sensitive zones that require heightened vigilance and joint enforcement efforts.

During the meeting, officials deliberated on measures such as establishing joint check-posts, intensifying surveillance, deploying flying squads, and using technology for real-time monitoring. Ensuring strict implementation of the Model Code of Conduct once enforced was also highlighted as a priority.

Reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles, the Commission said its objective is to ensure that every voter can participate freely. “Our collective goal is to guarantee that every voter can exercise their franchise freely, without fear or inducement,” the statement added.

With multiple states preparing for elections, the ECI’s proactive steps reflect a determined effort to uphold transparency, maintain law and order, and protect the credibility of the electoral process across the country.

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday mounted a sharp attack on the Centre’s foreign policy, alleging that it is “compromised” and accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of failing to act independently in India’s national interest.

Speaking to reporters in Parliament shortly after Modi’s address in the Rajya Sabha on the ongoing West Asia conflict, Gandhi said, “India’s foreign policy is compromised today because Prime Minister Modi himself is compromised.”

Stepping up his criticism, he alleged that the Prime Minister was acting under external influence. “Modi only does what the United States and Israel want him to do,” he said, adding, “Modi can never make decisions in India’s interest — and this is clearly visible.”

The remarks came against the backdrop of the government outlining its position on the escalating conflict in West Asia, now in its fourth week, which has sparked global concerns over energy supplies, disrupted trade routes and raised alarms over the safety of expatriates.

In his address earlier in the day, Modi highlighted India’s diplomatic outreach and efforts to safeguard national interests, including ensuring energy security and evacuating Indian nationals from affected regions. The government has said it is in touch with key stakeholders such as Iran, Israel and the United States to push for de-escalation and maintain stability in critical maritime routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz.

It has also pointed to measures such as diversifying energy imports and building strategic reserves to mitigate the impact of supply disruptions caused by the conflict.

The Congress party, however, has consistently questioned the government’s handling of foreign policy, especially during periods of geopolitical tension, accusing it of weakening India’s traditional strategic autonomy. Gandhi’s latest remarks reflect a continuation of that criticism, as the opposition intensifies its attack on the government’s response to the evolving crisis.

The exchange underscores the growing political divide over India’s foreign policy approach at a time when the West Asia conflict has heightened global uncertainty, affecting shipping lanes and energy markets worldwide. While the government maintains that its actions are guided by national interest and a commitment to dialogue and diplomacy, the opposition’s comments highlight the increasingly contentious domestic debate surrounding India’s international engagements.

Union Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that farmers receive a fair price for their produce in every situation, and said no effort will be spared at any level to rescue the ‘annadatta’ (food providers) from crisis.

He said the NDA government has provided a strong security shield to farmers’ income through record purchases at Minimum Support Price (MSP), PM-AASHA, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, price difference payment, and Market Intervention Scheme, and farmers’ incomes have doubled.

While answering various questions raised by MPs in the Lok Sabha, Chouhan said that to increase farmers’ incomes and protect their interests, the central government has taken several historic steps in the past years.

He informed that agricultural production has increased by nearly 44 per cent, and a comprehensive campaign has been launched to simultaneously enhance farmers’ productivity and income.

Chouhan said that in the previous governments’ time, excuses were made in the name of implementing the Swaminathan Commission recommendations. In contrast, the NDA government decided to determine the Minimum Support Price by taking into account 50 per cent profit on production cost and continuously implemented it, enabling farmers to get better returns for their hard work.

He stated that merely announcing MSP is not enough; actually procuring at that price is more important, and in this direction, the government has provided direct benefits to farmers through record purchases at MSP not only for wheat, paddy, pulses, and oilseeds but also for various other crops.

He said this government has not remained limited to grains only but is also actively intervening for pulses, oilseeds, fruits, and vegetables so that farmers do not suffer losses if prices of any crop fall.

Chouhan informed that the Pradhan Mantri Annadatta Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan – PM-ASHA scheme, a significant initiative launched during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure, provides security to those crops whose prices often fall below MSP. He said that under PM-AASHA, three types of arrangements have been made – direct purchase of pulses and oilseeds through Price Support Scheme, bridging the gap between MSP and market price through price difference payment mechanism, and providing protection to farmers through other means, if needed.

Ladakh’s Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Tuesday said that the sacrifices made by the soldiers while defending the country against enemy forces must always be remembered with gratitude and respect.

Saxena visited the Hall of Fame and laid a wreath at the war memorial, paying homage to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation.
The Lieutenant Governor was received by General Officer Commanding (GOC) 14 Corps Lt General Hitesh Bhalla.

On the occasion, Saxena saluted the supreme sacrifice of the bravehearts who guarded the nation’s borders under extremely harsh and hostile conditions. “My heartfelt tributes to the martyrs of the armed forces who laid their lives for the freedom, pride and dignity of our nation. We, as Indians, owe a debt of gratitude to the fallen martyrs and their families. Hall of Fame, Leh, truly glorifies the supreme sacrifice of our soldiers,” he said.

Commending the courage and valour of the Indian Army, the Lieutenant Governor observed that soldiers continue to protect the nation’s frontiers in sub-zero temperatures and challenging terrain, setting an unparalleled example of dedication and patriotism.
He also visited the museum at the Hall of Fame, which showcases the bravery and gallantry of the Indian Army during major operations such as Operation Meghdoot and Operation Vijay.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday rebuked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly barging in during an Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid on political consultancy firm I-PAC in January this year as it observed that the allegations against her are “based on some facts” and that is why the probe agency is seeking a CBI investigation.

A Bench of Justices PK Mishra and NV Anjaria was hearing ED’s writ petition alleging that West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and state police officers obstructed its search of the office of I-PAC, the political consultant of All India Trinamool Congress (TMC).

The state of West Bengal has opposed the maintainability of the writ petition, saying that allowing the ED, a probe agency of the central government, to file a writ petition against a state government will be “dangerous to the federal structure.”

During the hearing, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the state of West Bengal, argued that if a public officer is being obstructed from performing his duties he cannot file an Article 32 petition. “He also can’t file 226 petition. There will be a prosecution launched for the obstruction for violating his right to discharge his functions,” Sibal said as he sought to dismiss ED’s writ petition seeking a CBI probe.

Drawing the court’s attention to the cause title of the petition, Sibal said that a Deputy Director mentioned in the cause title was nowhere on the scene. “This is not a PIL. A person who moves the court under Article 32 has to specifically set out which fundamental right of his has been violated,” he said.

Sibal also pointed out that the ED has objected to the case being investigated by the state police and mentioned that this is covered by several judgments of the top court. “They have a remedy and they should not file an Article 32 petition,” the advocate appearing for West Bengal argued.

On this, Justice PK Mishra asked, “If the CM barges into an ED investigation, your idea of remedy for the ED is to go to the state government which is headed by the CM and inform them about it and seek remedy?”

As Sibal intervened, saying “your lordships are assuming that the CM has committed offence,” Justice Mishra shot back, “We are not assuming anything. Every allegation is based on some facts, if there are no facts there is no need to investigate. That is what they are praying for, for CBI to investigate.”

Senior Advocate Kalyan Banerjee, appearing for Mamata Banerjee, argued that for a CBI investigation, the state has to give consent and in other cases the constitutional court has the power. However, he added, it can be done when a complaint is there.

“What is the complaint? Article 32 petition is not a complaint,” Banerjee said.

When Banerjee pointed out that the ED was sitting silent for two-three days and now doing this just before elections, Justice Mishra asked him not to argue on this, saying there is no timing for a decision.

“The court does not want a political party to win an election. We do not want to be a party to a crime also. There is no timing for a decision. Don’t argue on this. We know the timing of the request,” Justice Mishra added.

To give a boost to India’s manufacturing and innovation ecosystem, the Union government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a leading air conditioning company to support startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

The MoU signed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) with the leading companies aims to foster the growth of product startups working in areas such as HVAC technologies, digital solutions, advanced manufacturing processes, and supply chain innovation. It seeks to enable startups to develop scalable and industry-relevant solutions through structured industry engagement, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a statement.

Under the initiative, the startups will be provided access to mentorship from industry experts, infrastructure support including R&D laboratories and testing facilities, pilot opportunities, and market linkages. The partnership will also facilitate startups in achieving key milestones such as product validation, Proof-of-Concept (PoC) development, and integration into industry value chains, it said.

The collaboration will also enable startups to access testing facilities, R&D infrastructure, and technical support, along with structured mentorship programmes and periodic engagement sessions to align innovations with industry requirements.

Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Sanjiv said the collaboration represents an important step towards fostering industry-driven innovation in the manufacturing sector, and noted that such partnerships enable startups to engage with real-world problem statements and scale solutions with tangible outcomes.

DPIIT will work with Blue Star Limited to explore the organisation of innovation challenges under the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge, along with targeted hackathons focused on HVAC, digital technologies, and manufacturing domains. Startups will have opportunities to participate in structured PoC programmes, with selected entities being considered for pilot deployment and further engagement.

Notably, last year, DPIIT had allowed QCO exemption on AC compressors of two tonnes and above till February 10, 2026 and the remaining models till April 17, 2026.

The Ministry of Railways has approved two important rail infrastructure projects in Western Railway and Eastern Railway zones with an aim to enhance connectivity, ease congestion and improving operational efficiency.

The projects include construction of a Rail-over-Rail (RoR) flyover at Kosamba for connectivity to the Kosamba-Umrapada Gauge Conversion section in Gujarat and development of a new rail bypass at Bhagalpur in Bihar, the Ministry of Railways said on Tuesday.

The total sanctioned cost of the two projects is Rs 647.58 crore.

The Railways has approved the construction of a Rail-over-Rail (RoR) flyover to provide seamless connectivity to the Kosamba-Umrapada Gauge Conversion (GC) section (9.20 km) at a total estimated completion cost of Rs 344.38 crore.

The Kosamba-Umrapada section lies on the eastern side of the Mumbai–Vadodara main line and its gauge conversion is currently underway.

Due to the presence of the Dedicated Freight Corridor alignment, direct connectivity of the gauge converted line with the main line is not feasible through a surface crossing.

The approved RoR flyover will eliminate surface crossings and enable seamless integration of the Gauge Conversion section with the Mumbai–Vadodara main line. This will ensure uninterrupted and safe movement of trains on these critical routes and help fully realize the benefits of the gauge conversion project.

The Ministry has also approved the construction of the Bhagalpur bypass (13.38 km) in Eastern Railway at an estimated cost of Rs 303.20 crore.

The bypass will connect Gonudham Halt on the Barahat-Bhagalpur section with Sabour on the Bhagalpur-Sahibganj section, thereby easing congestion at Bhagalpur junction.

At present, the Barahat–Bhagalpur section is operating at more than 125 percent capacity utilisation, leading to severe congestion.

Trains moving between the Barahat–Bhagalpur and Bhagalpur–Sahibganj sections require engine reversal at Bhagalpur, resulting in detention and operational inefficiencies. The approved bypass will significantly improve operational fluidity and punctuality.

These infrastructure works will strengthen rail connectivity in Gujarat and Bihar, enhance safety, reduce congestion, and improve overall efficiency of train operations.

The Ministry of Railways continues to prioritise capacity augmentation and network decongestion to meet the growing passenger and freight transportation demands of the country.ReplyForwardAdd reaction.

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday raised concerns over what he described as a “troubling decline” in India’s institutional framework, linking recent changes to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) selection process with broader fears about judicial independence.

In a message posted on his WhatsApp channel, Banerjee criticised the removal of the Chief Justice of India from the panel responsible for appointing the CEC.

“This is precisely why judicial authority was diluted and the Chief Justice of India was removed from the CEC selection panel. If this trajectory continues, it won’t be long before Supreme Court judgments appear politically stamped,” he said.

His remarks come amid an ongoing political debate over the composition of the CEC selection committee, which was revised through legislation passed by Parliament.

The change replaced the Chief Justice of India with a Union Cabinet minister on the panel, a move that has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who argue it weakens institutional checks and balances.

Banerjee accused those in power of undermining constitutional safeguards for political gain.

“Those sworn to protect the Constitution are now chipping away at its very foundations to serve narrow political ends—a betrayal of both duty and democracy,” he said, underscoring his concerns in strong terms.

The Trinamool leader’s comments reflect a broader opposition narrative that key democratic institutions are facing increasing pressure.

The government, however, has defended the changes, maintaining that the revised selection mechanism remains within constitutional provisions and ensures executive accountability.

Warning about the state of democratic institutions, Banerjee added, “What a troubling decline for our institutions.”

In order to ensure ethical pharmaceutical practices in the supply chain of weight-loss drugs (GLP-1), the Drugs Controller of India has intensified regulatory surveillance against their unauthorized sale and promotion.

With the recent introduction of multiple generic variants of GLP-1-based weight-loss drugs in the Indian market, concerns have emerged regarding their on-demand availability through retail pharmacies, online platforms, wholesalers, and wellness clinics.

These drugs, when used without proper medical supervision, may lead to serious adverse effects and associated health risks.

Taking cognizance of the situation, India’s Drugs Controller, in collaboration with state regulators, has initiated a series of targeted actions to curb potential malpractices across the pharmaceutical supply chain and prevent unauthorized sales and misuse.

On March 10, a comprehensive advisory was issued to all manufacturers, explicitly prohibiting surrogate advertisements and any form of indirect promotion that could mislead consumers or encourage off-label use.

In recent weeks, enforcement activities have been significantly scaled up. Audits and inspections were conducted at 49 entities, including online pharmacy warehouses, drug wholesalers, retailers, and wellness and slimming clinics.

These inspections spanned multiple regions across the country and focused on identifying violations related to unauthorized sales, improper prescription practices, and misleading marketing. Notices have also been issued to defaulting entities.

The regulator emphasized that patient safety remains paramount. The misuse of weight-loss drugs without clinical oversight can lead to severe health complications. Citizens are advised to use such medications only under the guidance of qualified medical practitioners.

“It is important to reiterate that the drug has been approved in India with the condition that it be prescribed only by endocrinologists and internal medicine specialists, and for certain indications, by cardiologists. Regulatory surveillance will continue to be intensified in the coming weeks, and non-compliance will be dealt with strictly through actions including cancellation of licenses, penalties, and prosecution under applicable laws,” an official press note said on Tuesday.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday cited international media reports to claim that Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other, describing the development as a “severe setback and rebuff to India.”

In a statement posted on X, Ramesh said, “Multiple reports in leading international media outlets have identified Pakistan as one of the intermediaries being used between the US and Israel on one side and Iran on the other. If these reports are true, they represent a severe setback and rebuff to India — and it is all attributable to the self-styled Vishwaguru.”

His remarks come amid heightened geopolitical tensions in West Asia and renewed scrutiny of India’s diplomatic positioning in the region.

Ramesh further argued that despite India’s “undoubted military successes” in Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has outperformed New Delhi diplomatically over the past year.

“The sad reality is that thereafter Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement and narrative management has been markedly superior to that of the Modi government,” he said, adding that Islamabad, once facing severe political, economic and global challenges, has now gained renewed relevance.

The Congress leader also pointed to the evolving relationship between Pakistan’s leadership and former US President Donald Trump, alleging that it has strengthened Islamabad’s global standing.

He claimed that Trump had “warmly and repeatedly embraced” Pakistan’s military leadership and hosted Asim Munir at the White House on multiple occasions, including what he described as an “unprecedented lunch.”

Ramesh further alleged that “the Pakistani establishment has developed a cosy relationship with President Trump’s immediate circle.”

Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ramesh criticised his recent diplomatic outreach, particularly a visit to Israel shortly before reported US-Israel aerial strikes on Iran.

“Mr. Modi’s ill-advised visit to Israel, which ended just two days before the unprovoked US-Israel aerial assaults on Iran began, will go down in our political history as a singularly disastrous choice,” he said, arguing that the visit undermined India’s ability to act as a neutral mediator in the region.

Stepping up his attack on the government’s foreign policy approach, Ramesh added, “The Prime Minister’s ‘huglomacy’ stands brutally exposed. The country is being forced to pay a price for this.”

The remarks come at a time when India has traditionally maintained balanced ties across West Asia, including with Israel, Iran and key Arab nations, often positioning itself as a potential bridge in regional conflicts.

The internet is buzzing, and fans just can’t keep calm! Pictures and videos hinting that singer-rapper Badshah may have secretly married Punjabi actress Isha Rikhi have gone viral on social media. From garland exchanges to candid poolside moments, the snaps are giving fans all the feels and plenty to talk about.

While neither Badshah nor Isha has confirmed the news, the posts shared by Isha’s mother, Poonam Rikhi, have only added fuel to the speculation fire.

Fans are now keenly following every detail of Isha’s personal life, eager to know more about the actress behind the camera.

What the pictures show

 

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A post shared by POONAM RIKHI (@poonamrikhi6)

The photos making rounds show the couple participating in traditional wedding rituals, supervised by a priest, with garlands and other customary ceremonies.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. Some videos capture them sharing playful moments in a lift and by pool hinting at post-wedding celebrations.

Social media users are dissecting every frame from their smiles to their outfits trying to figure out if the duo has truly tied knot. The buzz is intense, and hashtags linking their names are trending across platforms.

Badshah-Isha Rikhi: Love story

 

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A post shared by POONAM RIKHI (@poonamrikhi6)

Fans who’ve been following the couple might say this is not entirely surprising. Rumours of a relationship between Badshah and Isha Rikhi have been around for years.

Reports dating back to 2022 suggested that the two had been seeing each other since 2021 with both families reportedly aware of bond.

The story goes that the couple first met at a friend’s party and instantly hit it off.

Over time, fans started spotting them at various events. These include music launches and high-profile gatherings. Their public appearances together always sparked whispers. But now, the whispers have turned real.

Who is Isha Rikhi?

For those who are new to the Punjabi entertainment scene, Isha Rikhi is both an actress and a model. She made her film debut in 2012 with small role in hit Punjabi movie ‘Jatt Juliet’.

From there, her career grew with films like ‘Happy Go Lucky’ and ‘Ardaas’.

Isha later branched out into Bollywood. She appeared in ‘Nawabzaade’ alongside dancers Raghav Juyal, Punit Pathak, Dharmesh Yelande.

Beyond films, she has also featured in many Punjabi music videos.

Badshah’s personal life

On the personal front, Badshah has had his share of headlines. The rapper was previously married to Jasmine Masih, with whom he shares a daughter, Jessemy Grace Masih Singh, born in 2017.

Badshah and Jasmine parted ways in 2020. And since then, the rapper has kept his personal life relatively private (until now).

The Centre has convened an all-party meeting on March 25 to deliberate on the escalating crisis in West Asia and its implications for India’s economy, energy security, and strategic interests. The meeting will be conducted at 5 PM tomorrow.

The meeting comes as the conflict enters its fourth week, significantly disrupting global trade routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for crude oil shipments. The situation intensified after the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on February 28, triggering a wave of retaliatory attacks by Iran on US and Israeli-linked assets across Gulf nations.

The resulting escalation has rattled international energy markets and raised concerns over global economic stability, with India among the countries closely monitoring developments due to its heavy reliance on energy imports from the region.

PM Modi flags economic, security concerns

Addressing Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the situation as “worrisome,” underlining the far-reaching consequences of the conflict. He noted that the crisis presents unprecedented challenges, not just in terms of national security and economic stability, but also humanitarian concerns.

The Prime Minister highlighted India’s strong trade and energy ties with countries in the conflict-hit region, stating that a substantial portion of the nation’s crude oil and gas supplies originate from West Asia. He also pointed out that the region serves as a vital trade corridor for India’s global commerce.

A day earlier, Modi had briefed the Lok Sabha on the unfolding developments, emphasizing the need for an early resolution amid growing international calls for de-escalation.

#WATCH | West Asia conflict | In Rajya Sabha, PM Narendra Modi says, “India’s efforts have been to see that ships carrying oil, gas, fertiliser or anything else which is important reach India safely. But if the global circumstances due to war persist for a long time, then its… pic.twitter.com/2svnvd5hND

— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2026

Rahul Gandhi to skip the meet

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi today confirmed that he will not attend the all-party meeting due to a prior commitment in Kerala. However, he backed the idea of such consultations while sharply criticising the government’s foreign policy approach.

Gandhi alleged that India’s stance is overly influenced by the United States and Israel, claiming it may not serve the country’s long-term interests, particularly those of farmers and the broader economy.

He said, “I would not be able to attend because I have a program in Kerala. All-party meeting should take place, but a structural blunder has been made… And this cannot be fixed, especially the Prime Minister cannot. He will do whatever America says and will not work in the interest of the farmers and the country. He will do whatever America and Israel say.”

#WATCH | Delhi | Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi says, “I would not be able to attend because I have a program in Kerala. All-party meeting should take place, but a structural blunder has been made… And this cannot be fixed, especially the Prime Minister cannot. He… https://t.co/gAIBnSG77B pic.twitter.com/NuXDdpMuIN

— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2026

Focus on unified national response

The all-party meeting is expected to bring together leaders across the political spectrum to discuss India’s strategic response, including safeguarding energy supplies, ensuring maritime security, and addressing potential economic fallout.

With global tensions rising and trade disruptions deepening, the meeting is likely to play a crucial role in shaping a coordinated national approach to the fast-evolving crisis.

With digital media and AI content booming, Mohanlal has approached the Delhi High Court to safeguard his personality rights, making sure no one misuses his image, voice, or likeness online.

The digital age has a bright side, but it comes with tricky shadows. Deepfakes, fake ads, and AI-generated content have become a real headache for stars, and Mohanlal is no exception. Reports say the superstar has filed a plea in Delhi HC, asking for legal protection against unauthorised use of his identity. The case is set to be heard by Justice Jyoti Singh.

Also Read: After decades of hits, Mohanlal and Priyadarshan reunite for a historic 100th film

Personality rights, the crux of his plea, are more than just legal jargon. They let a person control how their name, image, voice, signature, or even catchphrases are in use in public and commercial spaces. Essentially, it’s about saying, “Hey, this is me. Don’t misuse me!”

Experts explain personality rights fall into two main areas:

Right of Publicity: Stops anyone from using celebrity’s identity for commercial gain without permission. Think ads, endorsements, merchandise.

Right to Privacy: Protects against misleading or intrusive content including deepfakes, altered videos, fabricated posts.

Celeb legal league: Mohanlal joins the club

Mohanlal is absolutely not alone in this legal crusade. Bollywood heavyweights like Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Karan Johar, Hrithik Roshan, and Jaya Bachchan have all approached courts to prevent misuse of their likenesses.

In fact, some celebrities have already scored legal wins. Legendary stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Anil Kapoor obtained court orders to restrict unauthorised use of their identity in ads, merchandise, and AI content.

More recently, Sonakshi Sinha received interim relief from the Delhi HC in a similar matter.

Also Read: Amid deepfake disaster, Bollywood draws the legal sword

Miranda House’s Department of Philosophy organised its annual festival, GNOSIS 2026, on March 20, with participation from students across Delhi University.

The event featured discussions, debates, and other student-led activities, with sessions covering both academic themes and contemporary issues.

Participation came from multiple colleges, with events held over the course of the festival.

The Statesman joined the festival as an associate sponsor, supporting outreach efforts and campus engagement.